I agree... it's fun seeing our different interpretations. And yes, public service work is very difficult, especially this time of year. Thanks for reading!
Wow is right. This story was a punch in the gut, but there's hope at the end. Forgiveness is such a powerful thing once we learn to accept it. Very well done. Excuse me while I go get a Kleenex... Merry Christmas!
You hit this one out of the park, my friend. I loved it. Stars for the star... such a sweet gesture. The ending brought tears to my eyes. Just the kind of HEA I love. Very nicely done.
December Prompt
Character: a department store Santa who’s an employee in a fast food restaurant
Story words: what was left behind, woods
Elven Wishes
“Son of a bitch!” Jim kicked at a pile of debris on the floor, scattering its contents in a swirl of dust.
“Hey! I just swept that!” Annie scowled and moved to redo the task she had just finished. “And Santa doesn’t swear.”
“Well this Santa does. Especially when his dickhole friend leaves him behind!”
Nice story. I like that their issues weren't suddenly resolved, but the feeling of making an honest effort was there. Troy's revelation felt quite natural and not contrived. I enjoyed this a lot. Merry Christmas!
Wow... this was fantastic, Northie! I was riveted from the beginning. I think this is the best thing you've written so far (that I've read, anyway ). The images and emotions were vibrant and I think the text messages worked quite well to convey the movements of the order. Very well done. You should be proud of this. Happy Yule and Merry Christmas!
Very cute! I liked the elven POV, and you gave us snippets of a whole culture and a unique spin on Santa's workshop. I could see this expanded as a longer story. Nice job, and Merry Christmas! Sorry, but you're going to have to put up with a hug
“Where am I?”
“You are in the Blue Forest on the outskirts of Blues Town.”
“Is that like Bluesville? Where’s B.B. King?” I snickered. I was either hallucinating or dreaming. Or dead.
The giant navy blue man sitting next to me in the azure clearing laughed—a booming sound that made the sapphire leaves quake like aspen on their cerulean branches. “I like your sense of humor,” he stated.
“Seriously, though. What is this place?” I waved my hand in front of my face, marveli
I'm sorry to see this series end, but very much look forward to your next endeavor. I can't pick a favorite line or stanza from this. It's all brilliant.
Thanks for featuring these. I don't think I've read the 2004 and 2006 anthologies, so I'll be sure to check them out. I don't normally plug my own work, but the story I wrote for the 2015 Christmas Story Contest - "The Old Ways" is about Yule, which is today. So Happy Yule!